Abstract B82: Provision of free breast and cervical cancer screening programs in medically underserved communities: Evidence from the screen, same-day results and treat model in Texas

Abstract

Abstract PURPOSE This evidenced-based community cancer screening model provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings with same-day results and health education consultations to women living in communities identified as medically underserved in Texas. METHODS A volunteer-led collaboration comprised of a team of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals (i.e., pathologists, breast and gynecologic oncologists, radiologist, health educators, lay health advisors and doctoral students), organized a trademarked screening model that targeted medically underserved screening-eligible women between 21-65 years with: 1) clinical breast exams and mobile mammography unit with a radiologist on-board, 2) Papanicolaou (pap) test, 3) same-day pap results, 4) group health education consultations, and 5) navigation to treatment/follow-up care and medical home that accommodated fourteen languages. RESULTS More than (N=750) women attended free one-day screening programs during a three-year period. Never or rarely been screened (N=673) women received breast exam, pelvic and pap tests. Women (N=55) had abnormal pap tests, of these (N=28) undertook same-day colposcopy, a visual inspection of cervix with biopsy, and (N=9) a Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure. Mammograms (N=76) and breast Fine Needle Aspirations (N=2) were provided for those with a palpable breast neoplasm. Breast abnormalities (N=15) and malignancies (N=4) were detected. Women received Human Papillomavirus (N=25), HIV (N=42), Syphilis (N=42) and Hepatitis C (N=107) testing based on availability. All women attended at least three of eight health education sessions on topics on risk-reduction behaviors and clinical research participation related to cancer and chronic diseases. Women were predominately Hispanic, low-income, uninsured or under-insured, and between ages 40-49. CONCLUSIONS Barriers that impede medically underserved women from seeking cancer screenings are well-documented, including cost, health insurance and healthcare availability for vulnerable populations. Providing free cancer screening days with same-day results where the most vulnerable women live coupled with culturally-tailored health education content can encourage continued healthcare utilization and preventative screening seeking behavior. Citation Format: Jameisha B. Brown. Provision of free breast and cervical cancer screening programs in medically underserved communities: Evidence from the screen, same-day results and treat model in Texas. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B82.